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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't measure body fat directly, research has shown that BMI correlates with direct measures of body fat and can be used as an indicator of health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.
Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).
Q1: What are the standard BMI categories?
A: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), Overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and Obesity (BMI ≥ 30).
Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat in athletes (who have more muscle mass), the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.
Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is designed for adults. Children and teens require age and sex-specific percentile charts for accurate assessment.
Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI every few months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to gain or lose weight.
Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of health?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool along with other assessments like waist circumference, diet evaluation, and physical activity levels.